News/Blog

Energy -- What Is It?

Energy can be defined as “the ability to perform work”. The measurement of energy provides a framework for scientists to study the different forms of energy, the usage of energy, and the efficiency of energy. Energy can be classified in its two main forms, namely, potential and kinetic energy. Potential energy is stored energy in matter while kinetic energy is energy in a moving object.

* Introduction to Energy: Comprehensive overview with many diagrams and statistics.
* What is Energy?: A concise description with links to more information.
* Energy Story: An introduction with table of contents covering many topics on energy.

What is Electricity?
In the science of physics, electricity is an important concept. When there’s movement in electric charges, electricity is generated. The two types of electricity are static electricity and electric currents. Electricity can be used to do work when electrons move in a circuit.

* Introduction to Electricity: Defines electricity and illustrates the idea of static electricity.
* Electricity: Scientific explanation of electricity covering atoms, electrons, magnetic field, and more.
* Electricity Basics: Offers basic information about electricity.

Generators, Turbines, and Power Plants
Mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy by generators. The two types of generators are the alternating current generator and the direct current generator. Rotating machines known as turbines are used to produce current water. Electricity can also be produced from other sources of energy. For instance, sunlight is used to produce electricity in photoelectric power plants.

* Generators and Motors: Shows how generators and motors work.
* Turbines: Excellent discussion on the history, power, and types of turbines.
* Electricity and Power Plants: An overview of power plants, covering the types, the technology, and the importance of coal.

Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is described as energy produced from the earth’s internal energy. Known to be a renewable energy, it’s becoming more popular as there are now 21 countries that are using geothermal energy to produce electricity. Logically, geothermal resources are located in regions with high concentration of earthquakes and volcanoes.

* Geothermal Energy: Provides information on geothermal energy, including its history, location, production, and economics.
* Geothermal Energy Production: Shows how geothermal energy is produced and used.
* Geothermal Facts: Some facts about geothermal resources and more.

Fossil Fuels -- Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas

Coal, oil, and natural gas are known as fossil fuels because they have to be burned to produce energy. This energy is then transformed into electricity in power plants. Composed of hydrocarbons, coal, oil, and natural gas can be found beneath the surface of the earth. A major concern with the use of fossil fuels is that the byproducts produced by the burning can result in mild or severe health hazards.

* Fossil Fuels: Offers a lot of information on fossil fuels with graphs, diagrams, statistics, and glossary.
* Natural Gas: Great overview of natural gas covering its history, usage, creation, production, reserves, and more.
* Environmental Problems: A look at the environmental problems caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Hydropower
Hydropower is a form of renewable energy which can be used to produce electricity. Generated by the kinetic energy of moving water, hydropower can be used in many ways. Hydropower is a clean and safe form of energy because it does not bring about any detrimental substances.

* Hydropower: A good place to learn the basics of hydropower.
* Types of Plants: Provides information on the different types of hydropower plants.
* FAQ: Discover more about hydropower by going through there interesting questions and answers.

Nuclear Energy -- Fission and Fusion
Nuclear energy is described as energy which is produced by nuclear reaction, artificially or naturally. There are two methods to produce nuclear energy, namely, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission refers to the splitting of large nuclei to produce energy. Nuclear fission refers to the combination of many small nuclei to produce energy.

* Nuclear Energy: Touches on the production, history, advantages, and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
* Energy Story: A look at nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
* FAQ: Good set of questions and answers on nuclear energy.

Ocean Energy
Ocean energy is produced by the ocean’s current, tides, waves, and thermal resources. The ocean’s surface waves are used to produce wave energy while its daily tides are used to produce tidal energy. Together, tidal energy and wave energy are known as ocean mechanical energy. Beneath the ocean floor, there are also non-renewable energy resources like natural gas and petroleum.

* Ocean Energy: A short description of ocean energy.
* Hydro and Ocean Energy: In-depth look at hydro and ocean energy with diagrams, graphs, formulas, and statistics.
* Ocean Wave Energy: Provides information on ocean wave energy technologies, environmental considerations, and more.

Solar Energy
Solar energy is described as the light ort radiant heat from the sun. One way to trap heat directly from the sun is to use a solar collector. It works by absorbing light form the sun, transforming it into heat, and trapping it within. If solar power can be harnessed properly, it’s an important source of energy because it’s easily accessible, economically beneficial, and safe for the environment.

* What is Solar Energy?: An overview on harnessing solar energy, the solar electricity industry, and its advantages.
* Introduction: A good place to start learning about solar energy.
* Photovoltaic Cells: Discusses how these cells are used to transform sunlight into electricity and the current drawbacks.

Wind Energy
Wind energy refers to energy which is produced by wind. By using a wind turbine, the kinetic energy of wind is transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. Clean and renewable, it’s friendly to the environment because it doesn’t pollute the air or water.

* Basics: Provides information on wind energy with diagrams, charts, and statistics.
* Benefits: Shows the many advantages of using wind energy.
* Wind Resource Assessment: Describes the criteria for setting up wind plants with links to maps, wind speed data, handbook, and more.

Electricity Transmission System
An electricity transmission system is used to transfer bulk packages of electricity to end users. The power station is connected to a number of substations by a transmission network known as a electric grid. Electricity is then relayed through power lines in the form of alternating current.

* Electric Transmission Lines: Describes how electricity is transmitted from power plants to consumers.
* Electric Power Transmission: A study on the background and policy issues of electric power transmission.
* Recent Developments: Explores the latest developments in electric power transmission technology.

Natural Gas Distribution System
Pipes are used to send natural gas into power plants to generate electricity. The natural gas distribution system also provides gas to the neighborhood via smaller pipes. In residential areas, natural gas goes through the meter, and charges are calculated according to the amount of gas used.

* Transportation: Explains how natural gas is transported throughout the country.
* Natural Gas Delivery System: An overview of the gathering system, the transmission system, compressor stations, linepack, and more.
* How It Works: A summary of the natural gas distribution system works.

Energy for Transportation
Without energy, most of the world’s transport would not be functioning. The production, maintenance, and operation of vehicles require a high amount of energy. It’s estimated that transportation uses roughly 55% of the world’s oil and 25% of the world’s energy. As petroleum resources are shrinking and environmental issues are growing, there’s a constant need to discover alternative fuels.

* Transportation and Energy: Highlights the relationship between transportation and energy.
* Alternative Fuel: A list of alternative fuels with link to further information.
* Energy for Transportation: Provides an in-depth look into the issues of transportation and energy.

Saving Energy and Energy Efficiency

Saving energy is extremely important because a lot of the energy resources are not renewable. Everybody can help to conserve energy by switching off electricity appliances and lights when they are not being used. An energy monitor can be used to determine the economical usage of energy. Recycling also helps to save energy.

* Home Conservation: Offers some useful tips and advice on energy conservation in the home.
* Conservation Tips: Some tips on energy conservation for office equipment, lighting, elevators, air conditioning, heating, and ventilating.
* Energy Conservation: The EPA’s guideline to energy conservation.

10 FREE Ways to Go Green

by Haley Paul
Published on August 16th, 2010

Sometimes it feels like making the right, green choice is about making the more expensive choice – the higher prices fetched by some eco-options in grocery and clothing stores are enough to make even the most ardent greenie stray.

But fear not! Below are 10 free things you can do to be green. Some are even fun! Others offer more practical tips that can easily be implemented and introduced into your daily routine.

1. Volunteer in exchange for local produce

Eating locally, seasonally and/or organically is great for both the environment and your health, but those costs can add up!

For some gardens, locals can volunteer their time in exchange for local produce.

Luckily, many small-scale farms are open to a trade: your sweat and labor for their fruits and vegetables. Oftentimes, organic, sustainable or pesticide-free farms can be short on staff and time and need the extra help.

The judicious use of large machinery and scant or non-existent application of synthetic pesticides and herbicides means these farms need more labor than a conventional farm. Volunteers can help weed beds, apply compost to rows, transplant starts and harvest crops (all after a few supervised training rounds, of course).

If the farm needs you, dust off the garden gloves, get out there and work for your vegetables! Nothing’s ever really free, right?

2. Trade green skills

In the spirit of swapping, see if there are people in your neighborhood with whom you could trade your green skills and assets.

For example, are you a skillful composter? (Let’s face it, some of us have trouble with those heaping piles or lack the motivation to even try.) For the avid composter, offer a few neighbors the opportunity to drop off their compostable waste with you.

You gain because you get more material to heat up your pile, as well as more end product to apply to your lawn or garden. Your neighbors gain because they help reduce the amount of waste they send to the landfill, and any extra compost you have can be shared for your neighbor’s use.

Another possible swap: Get rid of that plethora of zucchini and other vegetables taking over your backyard garden by giving any extra you have to the family next door. Reduce your workload out in the sun with an exchange that the family’s teenager mow your lawn once a week. You reduce a trip for a lawn company, and you get a free service! Think about your green skills. How could you set up a trade?

3. Go out on a bike

We all know it is fun to go out, but with driving, parking and inflated food and beverage prices, the night adds up fast. To save green and be green, organize a bike riding pub crawl extravaganza with your friends. You’re sure to have fun, not to mention save money and use less gas.

Don’t have a bike? No problem! Well, as long as you live in New York City or Tulsa, Okla., that is. In NYC, The Alliance for Downtown New York offers residents and tourists alike the two-and-a-half hour opportunity to bike the city for free. A credit card is required to ensure the bike is returned.

In Tulsa, the Warren Medical Research Foundation donated bikes to be used around the city free of charge. Tulsa has a great paved trail system, and you get 24 hours with your bike. Free mobility and health promotion – not a bad night (or day).

If your city doesn’t have a bike-sharing program, get ambitious and see what it takes to start one. Oftentimes there are municipal grants just waiting to be applied for, and cities are always looking for innovative ways to promote tourism. The trend has already caught on in Europe and Mexico.

Bike sharing programs are popping up all over the U.S. Sign up for a free bike rental and cruise the city (or countryside!).

4. Green get together

Treat your friends to an experience for their next birthday or a much-needed reunion. Life is all about the memories we make, not the things we have, right?

Summer movies in the park or a live band in a coffee shop (OK, you’ll want to pay for an iced chai latte) are a start. If you are really a planner, gather all your old pictures of friends and scrapbook with materials from around the house (or at least digitize the pictures so you can upload them onto Facebook).

For a real throwback, host an old-school slumber party and watch a classic movie you already own. It will cost you practically nothing and you’ll end up making the most of the day by giving fun, not worldly possessions that will eventually end up in a landfill.

5. Green elephant

We have all heard of the game white elephant – the holiday season group gift exchange game with a maximum limit on how much you can spend per gift ($5, $10, etc.). For green elephant, instead of a monetary limit, have a material limit: only play the game with gifts you can find lying around the house or crafty gifts you can make with existing materials.

That boring old picture frame you have? Add some Mancala beads for a shimmery upgrade, and bring it as your gift to exchange. Green elephant is a great way to reuse some of that old junk you have lying around the house and reduce some of the holiday-season material excess that can drain your green spirit.

6. Enjoy your own back yard

All too often we take carbon and monetarily expensive trips only to leave our home states that we have yet to fully explore. The tried and true vacation can be turned into the inexpensive staycation, helping you save money and the environment at the same time. Carpool with some friends and make an escape to the beach, the mountains or another close getaway.

To really save money, pack a tent… it’s only a one or two night stay! Use Google Maps to plan a route that is less than two hours away to save time and gas. Not only will you save cash, you will get to know your area a little better and help keep the little
money you do spend closer to home.

7. Reuse your bags

We all do it every once in a while: forget our reusable grocery bags. But luckily we know how to reuse the plastic bags when they start to accumulate (doggie bag, trash liner, storage bag, you name it). Yet all that effort and attention on plastic grocery bags leads us to forget about other types of plastic bags: the freezer bag and the sandwich bag.

Typically used for items like sandwiches or leftovers, these bags receive little wear and tear and can be washed, dried and reused again and again. Using what you already have is technically free, right?

8. Experiment with homemade cleaners

Let’s face it, some of the eco-cleaning products at the store are expensive. But since you still have to clean, try making some cleaning supplies yourself from stuff that’s already in your kitchen.

Did you know some great ingredients for cleaners may already be in your kitchen? Whip up some natural deodorizers for a nice, fresh scent! Photo: Flickr/Miss Muffin

Some basic, natural, non-chemical cleaning elements: vinegar, baking soda, seltzer water and lemon juice.

With vinegar, mix with one part water to dilute, put in a spray bottle and test on a surface before applying it to bathrooms and kitchen countertops.

Baking soda can be used as a scrubber as well as a deodorizer – that’s why we call it the “multipurpose hero.” Lemon juice makes a great smelling cleaning paste when combined with baking soda, and breaks down hard water stains when combined with vinegar.

Also, seltzer water is a great stain remover for carpets and clothes. For more tips and recipes to make your own green cleaning supplies, check out Stain-Removal-101.com.

9. Turn of the water

Whether you have a yard of fresh grass, low-water-use Xeriscape design or traditional turf, when it rains, don’t water! With natural moisture, there is no need to water on the regular schedule set by the sprinkler or drip irrigation system. Turn off the water for a day or two after a good rain storm and save mucho dinero.

10. Reset your irrigation timer

On the water note, reset your irrigation timer for your landscapes when the seasons change and when your plants become mature (they need less water once established). By doing so, you avoid over-watering and spending extra money.

College Edition

by Libuse Binder
Published on August 16th, 2010

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009, 9.1 percent of the population of Americans over the age of 18 are enrolled in college or graduate school.

It’s almost time to start heading back to school, and whether on year one of a four-year undergraduate degree or year five of the four-year plan (sorry, Mom and Dad), there are many ways to ensure that this is your greenest school year yet.
1. Pack light and share

Whether driving or flying to your dorm, apartment or frat house, you and all of your belongings leave a hefty carbon footprint.

Try to minimize what you need to bring by contacting roommates ahead of time to see what can be shared. Students often arrive on campus to find that they have duplicates of everything from dishware to televisions.

Also, think twice about buying “disposable” furniture that will be used for a year or two and then tossed. Try to find necessities at a local thrift store once you arrive. You’ll be saving the cost and fossil fuel needed for transportation, and you’ll be reusing rather than buying new.

2. Re-store

Some colleges and universities have made the reuse process even easier by running stores on campus that gather cast-offs from years past, reselling everything from perfectly functional couches to computers the following year. Check with your campus sustainability office before arriving on campus to see what you might be able to procure.

As an added bonus, the proceeds from many of these”re-stores” often go to environmental programs on campus.

3. Battle climate change with your bucks

From paper to clothing, trendy, eco-friendly options for back-to-school supplies abound. Look for clothing, sheets and towels made from organic cotton or fast-growing bamboo, paper with a high level of recycled content, printers with easy-to-recycle cartridges and even reusable to-go silverware.

4. Remember to recycle when you upgrade

If it is time for a new computer, make sure that your old one doesn’t become part of the growing stream of e-waste. The National Cristina Foundation will match your old computer with a school or organization in need of technology, and you can also check with local schools and organizations to see if your equipment could be useful to them.

Many electronic manufacturers also offer free recycling services, and some even offer trade-in programs. Dell, for example, offers free pick-up of computers and accessories, or customers can drop-off equipment at Goodwill and Staples stores nationwide. Customers who donate old Dell computers to the National Cristina Foundation will get a coupon from Dell towards new equipment.

Student meal plans of the past were filled with fast food choices. Now, many colleges have healthier, organic and even local dining options. Photo: New York University

5. Do your research

Before purchasing anything, find out which companies are making the grade on climate change. Climate Counts has launched the Back-2-Cool Campaign to inform consumers about the climate action records of companies selling popular products ranging from apparel to software.

A visit to the Climate Counts website will help you to make choices about the companies you want to support as well as offering you easy ways to take action on climate change.

6. Fighting the “freshman 15″

One of the major complaints of college students is that it is difficult to find healthy, affordable dining options on campus. Many schools are responding by trying to integrate more organic and local foods into the menus of their cafeterias and cafes.

Students can aid this process by employing the simple economic principle of supply and demand; the more students who ask for healthy and environmentally-friendly food, the more likely the school is to provide it.

Also check to see if a community garden or even a farmers market is on or near campus, as well as student groups working to bring more local fare to school. Community gardens can almost always use an extra hand as can students working to educate the school community about the benefits and pleasures of local and organic food.

7. Join the club!

Speaking of groups, almost every campus now has a club geared towards those interested in environmental initiatives, and most schools have many. Check out your options at the student activities office, and if you don’t see a club or group that fits your interests, start one!

Many green-forward universities have gardening programs for student and local participation.

Many major environmental groups have student chapters all over the country. Starting a chapter on your campus is as easy as contacting the national headquarters and asking for help.

The process of founding a club or chapter on campus varies from school to school, but it is usually as simple as filling out an application and explaining why there is a need for your group.

More and more colleges and universities also have offices of sustainability and coordinators. Sustainability departments often spearhead recycling and reuse initiatives as well as educational programs to help schools go green. These offices work with students, faculty, and the administration to raise the profile and efficacy of sustainability programs on campus.

If you have your own ideas about ways to improve or start environmental initiatives on campus, the sustainability office is a great place to find support, resources, suggestions, and like-minded people.

8. Make the grade green

As demand grows for more sustainability-minded grads, colleges and universities are responding by offering more programs focused on fields like environmental science, organic agriculture and forestry, sustainable architecture and engineering, as well as programs geared towards those interested in transforming major infrastructures like transportation systems and big business into more eco-friendly endeavors.

9. College is the place to get started on sustainability

Many people begin their eco-endeavors during their college years. Tom Szaky took advantage of feedback from friends and readily available materials for compost and reusable materials when he launched Terracycle while at Princeton.

Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre were clearly paying attention in a class aimed at fostering innovation. They were able to tap into the many resources at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while starting their successful company, Ecovative Design, which produces an alternative to polystyrene foam.

No matter what you decide to pursue post-graduation, the experiences you have and the courses you take in college can go a long way towards making you more marketable once you hit the green job scene.

10. Take some tips from our interns!

Who better to deliver some college greening tips than students that are already there?

The Intern Files: How to Green Your Dorm
While you prepare for move-in day, keep in mind that being green can still apply. It’s absolutely possible to create an easy, eco-friendly living environment for everyone involved, whether you have one, two or several roommates.

Shop, Recycle, Reclaim Your Day

by Jennifer Berry
Published on July 19th, 2010

Whole Foods Market's plastic recycling programs reach 220 stores throughout the U.S. Photo: Whole Foods Market

Time is a precious commodity. There never seems to be enough of it, and whether or not you’re having fun, it often flies by.

When it comes to living a greener lifestyle, time can grow in its significance, as it can sometimes restrict potential greenies from eco-friendly activities.

In fact, 13 percent of respondents from an Earth911.com poll indicated that “time” was the one thing holding them back from becoming more green.

One of the ways to balance a busy lifestyle and your own environmental ambitions is to condense your errands into single locales. The fewer places you need to go, the less time you spend traveling and the more time you have for other tasks.

Recycling is probably a high priority on your own environmentally friendly To-Do’s. However, if certain items that frequently make up your household waste aren’t collected in your curbside program (or if you don’t have a curbside recycling program at all), you may have to make a few extra stops to properly dispose of your trash.

With plastics probably taking the top spot on your “Things To Recycle” list, minimizing your trips to recycle these valuable materials is a must. But don’t fret – we’ve got all you need to know about recycling plastics while you’re out-and-about. Here are the plastics recycling programs for retailers across the country.

Walmart

What They Accept: Plastic grocery bags; Dry cleaning bags

Out of most national retailers, Walmart continues to be a leader in its sustainable endeavors and exploring new, green avenues. In fact, in 2009, the company recycled 120 million pounds of plastic in its behind-the-scenes processes (think: shrink wrap from pallets, bottles from employee breakrooms, etc.).

Additionally, the company as a whole has committed to reducing plastic bag waste by 33 percent per store by 2013. While the retailer’s focus at this point in time is making significant cuts to the waste that its operations send to landfills, in the future it looks to help recycle more of the materials that go out its 4300+ doors by helping customers recycle even more beyond plastic bags.

Located at the front of each Target store, the recycling stations offer guests a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges. Photo: Target

Target

What They Accept: Plastic bottles; Plastic bags

Target’s program is relatively new to the brand but is a great convenience if this is one of your main stops. Materials collected from guests are added to collections that Target also runs through its store operations, which are responsibly processed.

For example, all plastic bags collected for recycling are sold to a vendor who transforms them into composite decking. The program is still too young to know its impact, but Target estimates that its initiatives could eliminate at least 6 million pounds of plastic bags, glass, plastic, aluminum beverage containers and electronics each year.

Whole Foods

What They Accept: Plastic bottles; Plastic #5 (check availability at your local store)

Whole Foods operates under a different model than stores like Target and Walmart, as the company focuses on a decentralized style that emphasizes what works for particular regions or stores. Their efforts are effective though – the retailer currently diverts more than 80 percent of its waste by recycling and composting.

Its main plastic recycling programs reach 220 stores and are operated by two different entities: Preserve Gimme 5 and Greenopolis. In 2009, the Preserve program collected 45,000 pounds of plastics and, so far in 2010, has collected more than 68,000 pounds of material. Through its kiosks across the country, Greenopolis has recycled almost 3.5 million individual items. In the future, both the Preserve and Greenopolis kiosk programs are looking to expand to more WFM locations.

What you can recycle with Preserve “Gimme 5″: Any item made of plastic #5 qualifies, such as yogurt, hummus, margarine and take-out containers. Also, Preserve products (e.g.: toothbrushes, razor handles, tableware, kitchenware) Brita filters and Tom’s of Maine deodorant packaging can be recycled here.

What you can recycle with Greenopolis: Plastic, aluminum and even glass drink containers (glass not available in all locations). You can even earn points towards great rewards by recycling through the Greenopolis system.

Aveda
Bottle caps

The Aveda program makes finding recycling options for your bottle caps a cinch. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com

What They Accept: Bottle caps made of plastic #5

Aveda’s program started when the company’s founder heard about bottle caps blowing into the ocean and affecting sea life.

Today, all Aveda stores and most Aveda salons collect bottle caps, which are then recycled into packaging for various Aveda products.

The program accepts caps that are made of rigid plastic #5. This includes caps that twist on with a threaded neck (like shampoo, water, soda, milk and other beverage bottles), flip top caps on tubes and food product bottles (such as ketchup and mayonnaise), laundry detergents and some jar lids such as peanut butter.

However, Aveda does not collect pharmaceutical lids and non-rigid lids like those of yogurt, margarine and cottage cheese containers.

The UPS Store & Mail Boxes Etc.

What They Accept: Packing peanuts; Bubble wrap (check availability at your local store)

Many UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. (a subsidiary of UPS) locations collect these often tough-to-recycle items. Packing peanuts can be reused many times in subsequent shipments, and bubble wrap too can help future customers protect their fragile items.

With the idea in mind that these items will be reused, it’s preferable to bring in peanuts and wrap that are still in good condition (resist popping the bubbles!). Make sure to check ahead of time to see if your local store will take these items as well.

Earth911.com Articles and Content

You’re Missing Free Recycling

by Amanda Wills
Published on July 5th, 2010

In 2007, approximately 414,000 tons of electronics were collected in the U.S. for recycling, preventing the release of greenhouse gases equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 178,000 cars.

The formula seems right: free recycling + accessible bins = higher recycling rate. Well, it’s not always that easy.

While manufacturers and retailers are upping the number of free recycling programs for everything from old CRT televisions to chunky cell phones, studies show that consumers just aren’t getting on board.

Case in point: The U.S. EPA launched its Plug-In to eCycling campaign in 2003, encouraging major manufacturers to provide recycling options for electronics. In 2008, Plug-In partners collected and recycled 11 million cell phones, but considering that there are 100 million cell phones ready for recycling in the U.S., that number is actually pretty low.

“It’s easy for consumers say that they don’t recycle because they don’t know about it, but if you just go on the Internet and search, you will see that most major carriers recycle,” says Jenni Chun, associate manager of Sustainability for LG Electronics.

“It’s definitely tough to change behavior. Consumers are they are reminded about cell phone recycling when they see the bins in stores, but in reality their phones are still in drawers, closets or the garage.”

Inconvenience is one of the top reasons people don’t recycle, but a close second is lack of knowledge. While we can’t make you shut down you computer, pack your car full of old gadgets and drive to the nearest recycling location, we can, however, give you the download on major retailers that offer free, in-store programs.
AT&T

What: All brands of cell phones, smartphones, PC cards, batteries and accessories

Quick fact: In 2009, AT&T reused and recycled an estimated 4.2 million phones and recycled 1.7 million pounds of accessories and batteries.
Best Buy

What: Multi-media projectors, printers, car audio, home audio, PDAs and hand-held devices, mobile electronics (GPS, cell phones, MP3 players), various game systems, televisions, monitors, laptops, ink cartridges, CDs and DVDs and rechargeable batteries

Need to know: Consumers pay $10 for recycling each TV, monitor and laptop, and in return, receive a $10 Best Buy gift card. All other items accepted through the program are free to the consumer. The program does not accept appliances, TVs larger than 32”, or console TVs of any size. All hard drives must be removed from laptops and desktops before they are accepted for recycling.

Quick fact: Best Buy collected more than 60 million pounds of electronics in 2009.
Goodwill

What: Computers, computer accessories and televisions

Need to know: Goodwill partnered with Dell Inc. for its residential computer recycling program, called RECONNECT. Its computer recycling and electronics recycling businesses creates jobs and supports job training programs.
Sprint

What: All wireless phones, batteries, accessories and data cards, regardless of carrier or condition

Need to know: Sprint Buyback offers customers an account credit to return select Sprint and Nextel-branded devices.

Quick fact: In 2009, Sprint collected 1,095,177 pounds of mobile phones and wireless accessories.
Staples

What: Cell phones, PDAs, inkjet cartridges and rechargeable batteries

Need to know: While recycling the above items is free of charge, for a $10 fee, customers can recycle computers, laptops, printers, scanners, faxes, all-in-ones, CRTs monitors and LCD monitors. Computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, speakers and modems can be recycled for free with larger items at any Staples store.

Quick Fact: In 2009, Staples collected 7 million pounds of consumer electronics.
Even more options

You can make money for your electronic without stepping foot in a retail store. Gazelle.com accepts about 30,000 functional and defunct electronics. Using secondary retailers such as eBay, the website will estimate your item’s worth.

And no worries if your clunky television from 1989 doesn’t fetch any dough – Gazelle will recycle it for free. Gazelle pays for shipping and will even send a box for most orders.

As always, you can use Earth911 to find local recycling for electronics and more.

Earth911.com Articles and Content

20 Green Things in 20 Minutes

by Mary Mazzoni
Published on July 5th, 2010

TIP #1: Shop for local food. Many major grocery chains now offer a section for local foods.

Think one person can’t make a difference? Think again. With every American producing 4.6 pounds of trash per day, the little things we do to reduce our impact can make a huge difference.

Here are 20 little things you can do to help the environment and your world in less than 20 minutes.
1. Shop local for produce.

Next time you’re headed out for groceries, take a few minutes to make an extra stop at a farmer’s market for fruits and veggies. Buying local reduces your footprint and helps support farmers in your community. Local fruits and vegetables are also packed with way more nutrients than produce with a passport, and they’re tasty too!
2. Click to give.

The web is full of sites that allow you to contribute to charitable causes with a click a day. That means no cost, just clicks! Use the power of your right index finger to support The Rainforest Site, The Animal-Rescue Site, The Hunger Site and more.
3. Make a reusable survival kit.

Having trouble getting through the day without using disposables? Think ahead, and make yourself survival kit for daily use. Include items such as a reusable water bottle and coffee mug, and put it all in a canvas bag for impromptu shopping trips. Leave your kit in your car or desk.
4. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Next time you’re stocking up on cleaning supplies, trade your standard brands for supplies labeled eco-friendly or biodegradable. Or play chemist, and make your own! Vinegar, salt and lemon juice are all great natural cleaning solvents.
5. Do a quick closet cleanse.

We’re not talking about a deep clean here, but are those jeans from 1984 really necessary? While you’re cleaning, take a second look at your duds. Cutting up clothes is in, and you may have a few diamonds in the rough that will keep you away from the mall for another month. Cut those pants into shorts or capris. Break out the scissors and start re-fashioning old T-shirts.
6. Re-adjust your computer.

Learn to adjust your computer’s viewing settings for easy reading. This will reduce your need to print out emails or pages of interest. When you do print, use both sides to reduce paper waste. Also, change your power settings to optimize battery usage and activate sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
7. Fix that leak!

A leaky faucet or a running toilet may not seem like a big deal, but little leaks can waste loads of water. Make sure all your faucets are leak-free and your toilet is always working properly.
8. Donate paper scraps to a local classroom.

Kindergarten classes and daycare centers can always use extra pieces of wallpaper, scrap paper or newspaper for arts and crafts. Just think, your paper scraps may soon be hanging on a proud parent’s refrigerator.
9. Go unplugged.

Vampire power is the energy your appliances use when they are plugged in but not running. Cut back on wasted energy by unplugging cell phone chargers, coffee pots and toasters when they are not in use. Keep bigger items such as televisions and sound systems on a power-strip, and flip it off when they are not being used.
10. Switch to cloth napkins

Not only do they add pretty accents to your table, but cloth napkins significantly reduce paper waste. Take it one step further and switch to handkerchiefs instead of tissues and rags rather than paper towels for cleaning.
12. Organize a carpool.

Think outside the box with this one. Planning a weekend trip to the beach or mountains? Ask around. A few of your friends may be shore-bound too! Piling together in one car not only saves on gas and emissions but also adds extra fun to your weekend vacay.
13. Start composting.

Composting food scraps is a quick and easy way to reduce waste in your home. Once your pile is set up, it’s as simple as tossing your food scraps into a bowl and taking it outside every day. Check out Earth911 for tips on starting your compost pile.
14. Do a weekly purge of the fridge.

Take a weekly account of what’s in your fridge. Throw perishables a few days from spoiling into a crock-pot or casserole for tonight’s dinner. For food you know you won’t use, don’t let it go bad! Donate it to a local food pantry or church to reduce food waste.
15. Check your pressure.

Having your tires at the proper pressure increases your car’s gas mileage. It also increases the longevity of your tires, which reduces rubber waste. Most gas stations and service centers have pressure gages and air dispensers available.
16. Make the switch to paperless.

Banish endless paper bills by paying bills online and opting to receive e-mail statements. And open up some of that junk mail before tossing it into the recycling bin. It’s usually as simple as calling a service line to get your address removed from a company’s mailing list.
17. Make fruit juice concoctions.

Throw some of your locally purchased fruit in a blender for a healthy drink. For something more refreshing, run your creation through a strainer and add some water. Or you can never go wrong with homemade iced tea or lemonade! Pour your tasty tonics into pitchers, and stick them in your fridge for the week.
18. Pack a lunch.

Instead of stopping at the lunch truck when mid-afternoon hunger hits, reach for a packed lunch in a reusable lunchbox. Check out reusable sandwich containers as an alternative to plastic bags, and don’t forget the reusable silverware!
19. Save your water.

Set aside water used for washing veggies or boiling eggs or pasta. Allow it to cool and reuse it to water your houseplants.
20. Compare and contrast when you shop.

Next time you’re at the store, take a few minutes to compare products before buying. Not for price, for packaging! Reach for items with as little packaging as possible, and buy items packaged in recyclable material whenever possible. You’ll be shocked at how empty your trash can gets!

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